RENSSELAER, N.Y. – The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) concluded its inaugural Advocacy Week on April 8th.

Over the course of the week-long event, over 100 ABMA members met virtually with over 40 legislators and their offices to highlight our three 2022 priority issues of workforce development, supply chain delays, and inflation.

“Talk to any ABMA member and they will tell you that workforce development, supply chain delays, and inflation are the primary issues impacting their businesses every day,” said ABMA Legislative Committee Chair and NRLA member Joe Cecarelli. “Advocacy Week is all about putting our members and their compelling LBM stories front and center with their Congressional members. Our grassroots-centric model lets Senators and Representatives hear firsthand accounts of how our industry is meeting these challenges and stepping up to help our national economy grow.”

The three highlighted bills were The Employer-Directed Skills Act (HR6255), The LICENSE Act (HR6567/S3556), and The Informed Lawmaking to Combat Inflation Act (HR6629). Descriptions of these bills can be found on the ABMA website or by clicking here.

Legislator appearances were made by Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-5), Sen. Susan Collins (ME), Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-1), Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-22), Sen. Jack Reed (RI), Rep. David Cicilline (RI-1), and more.

“There is strength in numbers and the response to this critical call to action by the ABMA membership demonstrates the commitment and passion of the LBM industry,” commented ABMA Legislative Committee Vice Chair and CSA member Ida Ross Hicks. “Our members look forward to continuing to collaborate with our Congressional representatives to support ideas and initiatives that help build our businesses, protect our employees, and remain community anchors for years to come.”

ABMA will be following up these productive legislative meetings with Congressional District Office meetings and yard tour invitations for legislators to visit with our members in their home regions.